Job Opportunities

Major Gifts Officer

(FT - 35 hr/wk)

We are seeking a dynamic, relationship-driven fundraising professional to join our Development and External Relations team as Major Gifts Officer. Reporting to the Director of External Relations, this individual will play a pivotal role in expanding Providence Public Library’s (PPL) major gifts and planned giving programs. The ideal candidate will bring exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, a strategic approach to donor cultivation and stewardship, and a proven ability to secure significant philanthropic support. This position requires a motivated self-starter who can balance long-term relationship building with the achievement of annual fundraising goals. The Major Gifts Officer will work collaboratively with colleagues, Trustees, and volunteers to strengthen donor engagement, plan and execute fundraising events, and help advance PPL’s mission through innovative and inclusive development practices. 

Key Purpose/Summary: 

This position will report to and work closely with the Director of External Relations to fulfill the annual goals of an aggressive and strategic fundraising program.

The key objectives for this position are to:

1. Oversee and lead the growth of PPL’s major gifts program.
2. Assist with the reinvigoration and growth of PPL’s planned giving program.  
3. Assist with the planning and implementation of a comprehensive donor engagement and stewardship program.
4. Manage the cultivation and stewardship of monthly donors, participation-level donors, and mid-level donors.
5. Manage the creation and dissemination of development-related communications and marketing materials. 
6. Assist with donor cultivation events, including Conservator events and PPL’s annual gala.
7. Collaborate with the Development Team to raise $525,000 in unrestricted funds for PPL.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities: 

Major Gifts Program Management - 60%

• In collaboration with the Director of External Relations, manage the planning, development, and implementation of PPL’s major gifts program.
• Personally identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of up to 150 key donor relationships from participation level to major gifts. 
• Manage PPL’s major donor society--The Conservator Society--overseeing Conservator Committee meetings and the creation and distribution of Conservator Society communications. 
• Manage major donor acknowledgement and recognition in collaboration with the External Relations team and manage targeted major donor direct mail and email campaigns throughout the year.
• Assist with growing PPL’s prospect pipeline, including prospect research. 
• Prepare written proposals, as needed. 
• In collaboration with the External Relations team, assist with planning, development, and implementation of a comprehensive donor engagement and stewardship strategy. 
• Work with the External Relations Team to convert qualified mid-level donors to major donors.

Events Management - 30%

• Manage the planning and execution of Conservator Society events.
• Assist with the planning and execution of Lyra Brown Nickerson Society events. 
• Assist with the planning and execution of PPL’s annual gala, including individual and corporate sponsor solicitation and recognition. 
• Assist with the organization of other events (public and invitation only) to help promote PPL, as appropriate.

Planned Giving Program Support - 10%

• Support the Director of External Relations in the development and implementation of PPL’s planned giving program, including the re-establishment of PPL’s planned giving society--the Lyra Brown Nickerson Society. 
• Assist the Director of External Relations in the development of a planned giving campaign.

Additional Skills: 

• Superb interpersonal/relationship-building skills.
• High degree of integrity and professionalism, respecting confidentiality of donor information and relationships.
• Proven track record of securing five and six-figure+ major gifts from individual donors
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong project management skills.
• Comfortable working with various technologies (i.e. Microsoft Office suite, Google Docs/Drive, Google Meet).

• Self-motivated and goal driven.
• Interact professionally with other employees, patrons, and suppliers.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team;
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Ability to build trust-based relationships with a variety of constituents, including donors and prospective donors, corporate funders, Trustees, volunteers, community stakeholders, patrons, and staff.
• Proven knowledge of development/fundraising best practices and solicitation techniques;
• Proven ability to create, build, maintain, and grow professional relationships;
• Successful track record in meeting fundraising goals;
• Experience in writing appeal letters and proposals; 
• Knowledge of grant and financial processes is a plus;
• Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge, and general understanding of iWave and Google Docs, is a plus;
• Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events, as necessary
• Check email daily and respond to emails in a timely manner.
• Support and practice PPL’s stated values and demonstrate and share PPL’s commitment to being an all inclusive organization, including full participation in the implementation of PPL’s diversity, equity, and inclusion roadmap. 
• Cultivate practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization that serves the public and each other.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Required:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (for example, experience fundraising as a Board member of a nonprofit organization) is required for this position.
• Google applications (Gmail, Meet, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms) and other various Google applications experience required.
• Knowledge of Zoom, Google Meet or other web-conferencing software or applications.
• This may be a great opportunity for someone with an expansive personal network and transferable skill set looking to transition into fundraising. 

Additional Requirement

• Driving/Travel requirements –15-20% 
• Position Location – Providence, RI 
• Physical requirements – ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.

Job Posting Requirements

This position is: Exempt and is not part of the Union 

Hours:  35 hours per week, variable hours based on Monday - Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm. Flexibility is expected for special events, etc. 

Salary Range: $80,000–$100,000/year. Per our hiring policy at PPL, the starting salary is $80,000, with up to 5% negotiation flexibility. We can also establish a performance-based plan for future increases if needed.

The Library offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a group health, dental, and vision plans with an HRA that covers 95% of the health insurance deductible. If you don’t need insurance, you can opt for a monthly stipend instead. The package also includes fully paid life insurance (up to $50,000) and long-term disability coverage, as well as a generous amount of paid time off, starting with 22 days (4 weeks and 2 days) annually. Additionally, the Library provides a retirement plan with both Traditional and Roth options, offering a 5.5% company match and 100% vesting from the moment you're hired.

COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED

Please submit cover letter and resume by December 1, 2025

About the hiring process: Application will be open until the position is filled. Priority consideration for applications turned in by November 21, 2025. The interview process includes: application submission review, recruiter phone screen (only if qualified after application review), hiring manager interview, panel interview and reference checks (approximately a 2-4 week process). 

Posting Date:  October 27, 2025 – open until filled

Submit Cover Letter and Resume to:

E-mail:  HR@provlib.org 

The Providence Public Library

Attn:  HR

150 Empire Street

Providence, RI 02903

Fax:  401-455-8002

Equal Opportunity

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Providence Public Library are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities.  PPL is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and above), disability, veteran status, military service, application for military service, genetic information, receipt of free medical care, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. PPL will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.